Nestled among Orlando's world renowned attractions and them parks is a shoppers haven. With more than 44 million square feet of retail space and expanding, Orlando is one of the fastest growing retail markets in the United States. Orlando's line up ranges from outlet centres and superstores to upscale boutiques, antique shops and themed venues.

Seven huge shopping malls, with nearly 1,000 stores combined, also offer the convenience of having brand name department and specialty stores under one roof. "The Florida Mall" features such shops as Saks Fifth Avenue, a new 200,000 square foot Burdines, and approximately 400,000 square feet of new space for J Crew, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, restaurants and entertainment venues. From large department stores to even the smallest shops "Altamonte Mall", "Eagle Ridge Mall", "Orlando Fashion Square Mall", "Osceola Square Mall", "seminole Towne Centre", and the "West Oaks Mall" offer an extensive variety of merchandise located under one roof.

For those looking for bargains, Orlando's outlet centres offer top named products at great prices. "Orlando Premium Outlets" which opened in June 2000, is a high quality outlet centre featuring 110 upscale shops including Versace, Tommy Hilfiger, Cole Haan and Banana Republic Factory Store. "Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores" offers bargain hunters 500,000 square feet of shopping in 40 stores full of savings on brand name merchandise like Reebok, Gap, London Fog, Jockey, Danskin, Oneida and more. With more than 610,000 square feet of shopping space "Belz Factory Outlet World" and the "Belz Designer Outlet Centre" comprise the largest of the outlet centres. Located on International Drive, this shoppers paradise boasts more than 160 brand name factory stores such as Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue, Fitz and Floyd, Coach and Ann Taylor. To further enhance visitors options, Belz is adding "Festival Bay". This 1.1 million square foot shopping, entertainment and restaurant complex includes a Bass Pro Outdoor World and will feature a Ron Jon's Surf Shop when it opens in 2001. "Kissimmee Manufacturers Outlet" with 140,000 square feet, offers even more variety with its 30 factory stores including Nike, G.H. Bass & Co., and Totes.

Visitors can combine shopping with beautiful scenery and stroll along "Park Avenue", just north of Orlando in downtown Winter Park. Experience the upscale ambiance of this scenic and peaceful European-style avenue dotted with small boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, gift emporiums and outdoor cafes. In downtown "Celebration", several other premier shopping venues can be found along Main Street. Shoppers can feast their eyes on environmental art in the Wyland Galleries or outfit themselves in funwear at the Soft As A Grape clothing store.

For those seeking personal treasures of old, "Orlando's Antique Row" on Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando offers a variety of exquisite collectibles. Shoppers looking for specialty items can also stop by the nearby "Ivanhoe" shops, which boast fine antiques and gifts.

You can combine shopping with entertainment and dining at a variety of themed venues. "Pointe*Orlando", on International Drive, offers excellent shopping in exclusive stores such as FAO Schwarz, Armani Exchange and Abercrombie & Fitch. This 450,000 square foot, multi level complex also features a 21 screen cinema complete with a state of the art IMAX 3-D theatre, and restaurants including Monty's Conch Harbour and Lulu's Bait Shack.

Located just down the street from Pointe*Orlando is "The Mercado", a marketplace which offers 75 specialty shops including American Cola Company, Krazy Kites, Around the Globe, Tierra Fina and Kandlestix. After finding unique gifts in the shops or from the street vendors that line the courtyard, visitors can enjoy fine food at one of five exciting restaurants.

Specialty shops are also the name of the game in downtown Orlando. "Church Street Exchange", part of the Church Street Station complex, is an 87,000 square foot complex featuring more than 50 retail shops and restaurants in a Victorian atmosphere including Victoria's Secret and Sam Goody. Just a short walk form Church Street Exchange lies the "Church Street Market", complete with shops such as Sharper Image and Brookstone in addition to many restaurants, pubs and nightclubs. The newest addition to the downtown area, the "Shoppes of West Church Street" feature a medley of African-American gifts, books, and imported collectibles as well as customised clothes, antiques and golf equipment.

"Downtown Disney Marketplace" is a popular open air shopping spot with 26 shops featuring everyone's favourite mouse and all of his pals. Between shopping at the LEGO Imagination Centre and at World of Disney (the worlds largest Disney merchandise shop), visitors can take a boat ride around the Lake Buena Vista Lagoon or dine at popular eateries such as Rainforest Cafe, Planet Hollywood, Portobello Yacht Club, Fulton's Crab House and Wildhorse Saloon. Also within the Downtown Disney district is "Downtown Disney West Side" and "Pleasure Island" featuring exciting shops, nightclubs and restaurants including House of Blues, Wolfgang Puck Cafe, and Bongos Cuban Cafe.

Universal Orlando adds to Orlando's spectacular retail line up with its opening of "CitWalk", a 30 acre entertainment complex featuring themed restaurants, nightclubs, and specialty shops. Amongst great venues such as Motown Cafe, and The Hard Rock Cafe, a wide variety of exciting and innovative shopping experiences offer guests todays trendiest merchandise from stone faced wristwatches to handmade surf boards.

Flea markets have always been popular shopping spots for Orlando's thrift conscious visitors. "Flea World" in Sanford and "Osceola Flea and Farmers Market" in Kissimmee have a combined total of more than 2,600 wholesale dealers, each providing shoppers with cut rate merchandise and "tasty deals" on fresh fruit and vegetables.

For a relaxing Saturday morning shopping expedition, visitors can stop by the "Arts Market" held the first Saturday of every month or the "Farmers Market Downtown Orlando" held the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Saturday of every month. Both markets are located under Interstate 4 at Church Street. The "Winter Park Farmers Market" is located at the intersection of New York and New England Avenues in downtown Winter Park. Shoppers will love the fresh produce, baked goods, coffee, and other goods available.

Shoppers who need that last minute memento can find it in the main terminal of "Orlando International Airport". Stores include the first ever Warner Brothers Studio Store and the first Discovery Channel Store to open inside an airport. Other stores include the Body Shop, Sunglass International, Electronics Boutique, Perfumania, and stores from Universal, Disney and SeaWorld. Unfortunately those of you who are leaving via "Sanford Orlando Airport" will not have such a good selection of shops.